Pulp Fiction (and Fact): Treating Toothaches

Home remedies for toothaches have always been a bit unusual. See if you know which ones are effective and which you should stay away from.

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Question 1 of 20

Which of the following disorders is not a possible cause of tooth pain?

backache

It's not uncommon for sinus infections to cause dental suffering. And rarely, tooth pain can be an indirect symptom of heart problems.

sinus Infection

heart attack

Question 2 of 20

According to historians, ancient Babylonians believed the cause of a toothache was what?

drought

evil spirits

The Babylonians suspected that evil spirits created tooth pain.

tainted water

Question 3 of 20

A Siberian folk remedy for toothaches involved gargling what combination of ingredients?

milk and salt

vodka and garlic

The Siberians relied on the vodka-garlic mixture. Today, some people use shots of whiskey for toothaches, but it's not a dentist-recommended treatment.

tea and milk

Question 4 of 20

What is the name of a salve that was once a common treatment for tooth pain?

poultice

Poultice is a moist, warm, homemade salve of anything from bread or cereal to mashed beans or mashed beets. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was a folk treatment for many health problems, including toothaches.

dentaoyl

aloe

Question 5 of 20

What's a common visual depiction of tooth pain in cartoons and drawings?

a hot water bottle on top of the head

a thermometer sticking out of the mouth

a cloth bandage wrapped around the head

Historians aren't entirely sure what the cloth bandage was for, but it may have been to keep the cheek warm or hold a poultice in place.

Question 6 of 20

Which of the following is not a recommended home remedy for tooth pain?

pulling the painful tooth

Adults should always allow a dentist to pull a tooth if the professional determines the treatment is recommended. However, taking an over-the-counter pain reliever and avoiding hard foods and hot and cold beverages can be done at home.

watching what you eat and drink

taking ibuprofen

Question 7 of 20

One of the most common remedies for toothaches can be found in what location?

in your garden

in your medicine cabinet

Using an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain reliever is perhaps the simplest way to treat a toothache.

at the pharmacy, by prescription only

Question 8 of 20

Which of the following pain relievers is most recommended for toothaches?

ibuprofen

acetaminophen

both

Most tooth pain is inflammatory pain, so any anti-inflammatory medication can help relieve it.

Question 9 of 20

Antiseptic ointments with which ingredient are recommended for toothaches?

tea tree oil

acetaminophen

benzocaine

An ointment with benzocaine can help dull tooth pain, but it isn't recommended for children under the age of 2.

Question 10 of 20

Which liquid can you apply to a cotton ball and then bite down on to ease a toothache?

chloroform

clove oil

Clove oil is a safe, time-tested treatment for dental pain. It can be found at many drug stores.

mouthwash

Question 11 of 20

Which of the following beverages should you avoid if you have a toothache?

tap water

coffee

Extremely hot or cold beverages can make your pain worse.

warm milk

Question 12 of 20

What part of popcorn can be damaging to teeth?

the heat from being microwaved too long

the salt

the kernels

When bitten the wrong way, popcorn kernels can break a tooth or get caught between teeth.

Question 13 of 20

Which of the following seasonings is commonly used to treat a toothache?

salt

When mixed with warm water, salt is a popular treatment for sore teeth and gums.

chili powder

cumin

Question 14 of 20

Massaging which area of the body with ice can help soothe a toothache?

the neck

the hand

Studies have found that massaging the hand in the area between the index finger and the thumb is effective at reducing dental pain for some people.

the stomach

Question 15 of 20

What is the name of the acupressure point associated with relieving tooth pain?

L07

L23

L14

L14 is the area between the thumb and index finger that you can massage with ice to reduce the pain of your toothache.

Question 16 of 20

Which side of the body should you practice acupressure or massage on to help reduce tooth pain?

the same side that your toothache is on

When practicing acupressure, such as massaging ice into the L14 pressure point, you should focus on the same side of the body where your tooth pain is. For example, if it's the left side of your mouth that hurts, massage your left hand.

the opposite side of where your toothache is

both sides of the body

Question 17 of 20

Pressing what against the cheek may help to ease a toothache?

a hot brick

an ice pack

In ancient times, a hot brick was wrapped in a cloth and pressed against the cheek. Today, however, ice is recommended as an appropriate therapy.

your hand

Question 18 of 20

What kind of pill should you apply directly to a painful tooth?

aspirin

arsenic

none

If you're going to take a pain reliever for a toothache, you should swallow it, not apply it to the gums or teeth. Aspirin can burn the mouth. And while arsenic was used for tooth pain long ago, it's not recommended today.

Question 19 of 20

What is a symptom that indicates you should see your dentist right away?

pain

sensitivity to hot and cold

fever

A fever means you may have an infection. If you experience this symptom, you should see a dentist -- or doctor -- right away.

Question 20 of 20

What is the best thing to do if you've tried a home remedy for your toothache but the tooth is still in pain?

try another home remedy

go to the emergency room

schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as possible

If you're still in pain after a couple of days, schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as possible. However, if you're also experiencing fever, chest pain, swelling, discharge or trouble breathing and swallowing, you should consider it an emergency.